Kitchen Resolution #1: Get Organized

Here’s a New Year’s resolution you can actually keep: get that kitchen organized. We’re all busy people and it’s easy to let things go and put things off but the beginning of the new year is all about making changes for the better and starting it off right. If you find yourself digging around in your kitchen drawers and moving everything around to find the pan you just know is in the cabinet somewhere, this post is for you.

First of all, don’t let the nature of the task overwhelm you. Even small changes can make a big difference. But think of how much easier life will be if you can actually find what you’re looking for in your kitchen. Even if you’re not a person who cooks a lot, having a less cluttered and more organized kitchen will be good for your well being. The place where you store your food should never be dirty, dusty, cluttered or scary. If you need some inspiration, look no further:

Tip #1: Group like items together

It sounds like a no-brainer, but you should store items together by type. So, cereals should be on the same shelf, pot holders and kitchen towels in the same drawer, pots in the same cabinet, etc. By the same token, items should be placed in the area of the kitchen where you are most likely to use them. So store pots and pans next to the oven and glasses next to the fridge.

Tip #2: Use containers inside the fridge to prevent messes and clutter

Many of us limit ourselves to the drawers and shelves that are built into the fridge but there’s no reason you can’t purchase additional containers to organize your food. The fridge always ends up dirty because jars topple over and spill or produce goes bad and leaves that yucky brown juice in the drawer. But if you use containers that can be removed easily and washed out, your fridge will be easier to keep clean and keep organized.

An organized fridge. Source: Container Store

Tip #3: Use clear containers to store grains

Not only does storing your grains in clear containers look more appealing but also helps keep your food fresh and prevents little bugs and critters from infesting your food.

Clear Canisters Source: Container Store

Tip #4: Use hanging racks and insertable shelves to store pots and pans

Pots and pans are the most annoying items to organize. I always end up pulling them all out of the cabinet to find the one I need which is usually buried waaaaay in the back. A hanging rack (I’ve always wanted one of these) or even a removable shelf can make your life so much easier. I would also recommend a Lazy Susan or cabinet carousel (yes!).

Hanging Pot Rack Source: Target

Cabinet Carousel Source: IKEA

Tip #5: Put utensils in an easy-to-reach area by hanging them on the wall or storing them in a caddy on the countertop

Instead of keeping your utensils in a drawer, where they’re piled on top of each other and jumbled together, hang them on the wall using a bar and hooks. Or, an easier solution is to keep them in a container on top of the counter. They will be within reach while you’re cooking and you won’t have to hunt around in a drawer to find what you need.